How long does schizophrenia take to cure? Is schizophrenia curable at the moment?

Treatment schizophrenia is a long and multi-stage process, since its main goal is to stop an attack psychosis(delusions, hallucinations, etc.), as well as the elimination of negative symptoms (impaired thinking, speech, emotional-volitional sphere, etc.) and the most complete restoration of the normal state of a person with a return to society and family.

Principles of treatment of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is chronic mental disorder, which is completely impossible to cure, but it is quite realistic to achieve a long and stable remission, during which a person will not have episodes of psychosis with hallucinations and delusions, and he will be able to work normally and be in society. It is the achievement of stable remission and the prevention of psychosis that are the main goal of schizophrenia therapy. To achieve this goal, a long-term treatment is carried out, consisting of three stages:
1. Cupping therapy aimed at eliminating an episode of psychosis and suppressing productive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, catatonia, hebephrenia, etc.);
2. Stabilization Therapy aimed at consolidating the effect of relief treatment and the complete elimination of productive symptoms;
3. Maintenance anti-relapse therapy , aimed at preventing the next psychosis or at its maximum relegation in time.

Stopping treatment should be started before the development of a complete clinical picture, already with the appearance of precursors of psychosis, since in this case it will be shorter and more effective, and in addition, the severity of personality changes against the background of negative symptoms will also be minimal, which will allow a person to work or engage in any household chores. Hospitalization in a hospital is necessary only for the period of relief of an attack, all other stages of therapy can be performed on an outpatient basis, that is, at home. However, if it was possible to achieve a long-term remission, then once a year a person should still be hospitalized in a hospital for examination and correction of maintenance anti-relapse therapy.

After an attack of schizophrenia, treatment lasts at least a year, since it will take 4 to 10 weeks to completely stop psychosis, another 6 months to stabilize the achieved effect, and 5 to 8 months to form a stable remission. Therefore, close people or guardians of a patient with schizophrenia need to mentally prepare for such long-term treatment necessary for the formation of a stable remission. In the future, the patient must take medications and undergo other courses of treatment aimed at preventing the next relapse of an attack of psychosis.

Schizophrenia - treatments (methods of treatment)

The whole set of methods for the treatment of schizophrenia is divided into two large groups:
1. biological methods , which include all medical manipulations, procedures and medicines, such as:

Taking medications that affect the central nervous system;
Insulin-comatose therapy;
Electroconvulsive therapy;
Lateral Therapy;
Pair polarization therapy;
Detoxification therapy;
Phototherapy;
Surgical treatment (lobotomy, leucotomy);
Sleep deprivation.

2. Psychosocial Therapy:

Psychotherapy;
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy;
Family therapy.

Biological and social methods in the treatment of schizophrenia should complement each other, since the former can effectively eliminate productive symptoms, stop depression and level out disorders of thinking, memory, emotions and will, while the latter are effective in returning a person to society, in teaching him elementary skills of practical life and etc. That is why in developed countries Psychosocial therapy is considered as an obligatory necessary additional component in the complex treatment of schizophrenia by various biological methods. Effective psychosocial therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of relapse. schizophrenic psychosis, prolong remissions, reduce drug dosages, shorten hospital stays, and reduce patient care costs.

However, despite the importance psychosocial therapy Biological methods remain the main ones in the treatment of schizophrenia, since only they can stop psychosis, eliminate disturbances in thinking, emotions, will, and achieve stable remission, during which a person can lead a normal life. Consider the characteristics, as well as the rules for the use of methods for the treatment of schizophrenia, adopted at international congresses and recorded in the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

Currently, the most important and effective biological treatment for schizophrenia is drugs (psychopharmacology). Therefore, we dwell on their classifications and rules of application in detail.

Modern treatment of schizophrenia during an attack

When a person has an attack of schizophrenia (psychosis), you need to see a doctor as soon as possible, who will begin the necessary relief treatment. Currently, for the relief of psychosis, various drugs from the group of neuroleptics (antipsychotics) are primarily used.

Most effective drugs The first line of treatment for schizophrenic psychosis are atypical antipsychotics, since they are able to eliminate both productive symptoms (delusions and hallucinations) and, at the same time, minimize disturbances in speech, thinking, emotions, memory, will, facial expressions and behavior patterns. That is, the drugs of this group are ways not only to stop the productive symptoms of schizophrenia, but also to eliminate negative symptoms diseases, which is very important for the rehabilitation of a person and maintaining him in a state of remission. In addition, atypical antipsychotics are effective in cases where a person is intolerant of other antipsychotics or is resistant to their effects.

Treatment of psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, illusions and other productive symptoms)

So, the treatment of a psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, illusions and other productive symptoms) is carried out with atypical antipsychotics, taking into account the variants of the clinical picture in which each of the drugs is most effective. Other drugs of the neuroleptic group are prescribed only when atypical antipsychotics are ineffective.

The most powerful drug in the group is Olanzapine, which can be prescribed to all patients with schizophrenia during an attack.

Amisulpride and risperidone are most effective in suppressing delusions and hallucinations associated with depression and severe negative symptoms. That's why this drug used to stop repeated episodes of psychosis.

Quetiapine is prescribed for hallucinations and delusions, combined with speech disorders, manic behavior and strong psychomotor agitation.

If Olanzapine, Amisulpride, Risperidone or Quetiapine are ineffective, then they are replaced by conventional neuroleptics, which are effective in protracted psychoses, as well as in catatonic, hebephrenic and undifferentiated forms of schizophrenia that are poorly treatable.

Mazeptil is the most effective tool with catatonic and hebephrenic schizophrenia, and Trisedil - with paranoid.

If Mazheptil or Trisedil turned out to be ineffective, or the person does not tolerate them, then conventional antipsychotics with selective action are used to relieve productive symptoms, the main representative of which is Haloperidol. Haloperidol suppresses speech hallucinations, automatisms, as well as any kind of delirium.

Triftazin is used for non-systematized delirium against the background of paranoid schizophrenia. With systematized delirium, Meterazine is used. Moditen is used for paranoid schizophrenia with severe negative symptoms (impaired speech, emotions, will, thinking).

In addition to atypical antipsychotics and conventional antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics are used in the treatment of psychosis in schizophrenia, which by their properties occupy an intermediate position between the first two groups of drugs indicated. Currently, the most widely used atypical antipsychotics are Clozapine and Piportil, which are often used as first-line drugs instead of atypical antipsychotics.

All drugs for the treatment of psychosis are used for 4 to 8 weeks, after which they transfer the person to a maintenance dosage or replace the drug. In addition to the main drug that stops delusions and hallucinations, 1-2 drugs can be prescribed, the action of which is aimed at suppressing psychomotor agitation.

Treatment of psychomotor agitation and reduction of emotional saturation of experiences associated with delusions and hallucinations

Treatment of psychomotor agitation and a decrease in the emotional saturation of experiences associated with delusions and hallucinations should begin to give a person within 2 to 3 days of drugs, taking into account which manifestations prevail in the clinical picture.

So, with psychomotor agitation, combined with anger and aggressiveness, Clopixol or Clopixol-Akufaz (a form with prolonged action used in people who do not want to take the medicine regularly) should be used. Also, these drugs are optimal for stopping schizophrenic psychosis in people who use alcohol or drugs, even if they are in a state of withdrawal. With severe manic arousal, Quetiapine should be used.

In addition to atypical antipsychotics, intravenous administration of Diazepam in high dosages is used to relieve psychomotor agitation for 2 days.

After stopping psychomotor agitation, Clopixol and Quetiapine are canceled and conventional antipsychotics with a pronounced sedative effect are prescribed for 10-12 days to achieve a lasting effect of suppressing psychomotor agitation. Conventional antipsychotics are also prescribed taking into account what kind of violations prevail in a person in the emotional-volitional sphere.

With anxiety and a state of confusion, a person is prescribed Tizercin, and with malice and aggressiveness - Aminazine. If a person has a severe somatic disease or is over 60 years old, then he is prescribed Melperon, Chlorprothixen or Propazine.

However, it should be remembered that conventional neuroleptics are prescribed only if Clopixol or Quetiapine are ineffective.

In the treatment of an attack of schizophrenia, it is necessary to use drugs that reduce the severity of emotional disorders (depression, manic behavior) simultaneously with the antipsychotic drugs listed above. To do this, depending on the nature of emotional disturbances, antidepressants (timoleptics and thymoanaleptics) and normotimics are used. These drugs are usually recommended to continue taking after the end of the treatment of an attack of schizophrenia against the background of maintenance therapy, since they eliminate a different spectrum of disorders and allow the person to normalize the quality of life as much as possible.

Treatment of the depressive component in emotional disorders

Treatment of the depressive component in emotional disorders should be treated with antidepressants. First of all, you should try giving the person antidepressants of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor group, such as Ixel or Venlafaxine. Moreover, Ixel is preferable in the presence of a dreary component of depression, and Venlafaxine - with anxiety.

In addition, Cipralex, which suppresses both dreary and anxious components, can be considered as first-line antidepressants. depressive syndrome with schizophrenia.

If Ixel, Venlafaxine and Cipralex are not effective, then heterocyclic antidepressants are recommended as second-line drugs in the treatment of depression, which have a more powerful effect, but are much worse tolerated. Clomipramine is effective for any component of depression - phobias, anxiety or melancholy. Amitriptyline is effective in the anxiety component of depression, Melipramine - in the melancholy.

Treatment of the manic component in emotional disorders

Treatment of the manic component in emotional disorders should be done with normotimics simultaneously with antipsychotics or antipsychotics. They are used for a long time, including after the end of the treatment of an attack, already against the background of maintenance anti-relapse therapy.

It is recommended to use Depakine and Valprok as normotimics of choice, which lead to the rapid elimination of manic symptoms. If these drugs do not help, then lithium salts are used, which have the strongest anti-manic effect, but do not combine well with conventional antipsychotics. With a slight severity of manic symptoms, Lamotrigine is used, which is very well tolerated.

Treatment of drug-resistant psychosis

With the ineffectiveness of drugs in stopping an attack of schizophrenia, when a person has resistance to them (like bacteria to antibiotics), they resort to the following methods:

Electroconvulsive therapy;
Insulin-comatose therapy;
Craniocerebral hypothermia;
Lateral Therapy;
Detoxification.

Electroconvulsive (electroconvulsive) therapy It is produced, as a rule, against the background of taking antipsychotics. The course of treatment is short and is carried out using general anesthesia, which actually equates the method to a surgical operation. Electroconvulsive therapy can be performed in two versions - bilateral or unilateral, with the second being more gentle, since it practically does not cause cognitive impairment (memory, attention, ability to synthesize and analyze information).
Insulin-comatose therapy It is produced against the background of the use of neuroleptics in the continuous or episodic course of the paranoid form of schizophrenia. Absolute reading to the use of insulin coma therapy is intolerance or ineffectiveness of the use of drugs. In addition, this method is recommended for use in unfavorable dynamics of schizophrenia, for example, when sensory delusions turn into interpretive ones, or when anxiety, absent-mindedness and mania disappear, and malice and suspicion appear instead.

Currently, insulin coma therapy can be performed in three modifications:
1. Traditional modification , which involves subcutaneous administration of insulin with a daily increase in dose up to values that will cause a coma. The method has the most pronounced effect.
2. Forced modification , which involves the introduction of insulin in the form of a "dropper" continuously during the day, so that the dose that causes a coma is reached in a day. Formed insulin coma therapy is best tolerated.

3. Potentiated modification , suggesting a combination of insulin administration with lateral physiotherapy (electrical stimulation of skin areas through which nerves pass to the left and right hemispheres of the brain). At the same time, insulin is administered both according to the traditional and according to the formed scheme. The method allows to maximize the effect on delusions and hallucinations, and at the same time shorten the course of treatment.

Lateral Therapy carried out with the help of electroanalgesia - exposure to high-frequency electric shock to certain areas of the brain. The method allows to stop psychomotor agitation, delirium, hallucinations, anxiety-depressive and manic manifestations violations emotional sphere, as well as heboid symptoms.

Detoxification is a group of methods that are used to increase sensitivity to drugs. For this, people with allergies, complications or severe adverse reactions on antipsychotics, carry out hemosorption. After several hemosorption procedures, treatment with drugs is started, which, as a rule, begin to be quite well tolerated.

With a protracted course of psychosis or with severe extrapyramidal disorders (parkinsonism, impaired accuracy and coordination of movements, etc.) that have arisen against the background of prolonged use of conventional antipsychotics, plasmapheresis is performed. For the duration of the course of plasmapheresis, all drugs are canceled, and at the end of it they are prescribed again, if necessary, changing the drug or adjusting the dosage.

Stabilizing treatment for schizophrenia

After the relief of psychosis and the disappearance of delusional hallucinatory symptoms, it is necessary to carry out stabilizing treatment for 3 to 9 months, aimed at achieving a stable remission, which can last for a long time. On the this stage therapies achieve complete suppression of residual delusional-hallucinatory symptoms, psychomotor agitation, manic or depressive components of emotional disorders, and also try to restore the level of functioning of consciousness that a person had before an attack. For this, the maximum emphasis in therapy is placed on correcting the negative symptoms of schizophrenia (impaired thinking, memory, attention, apathy, lack of goals, desires and aspirations, etc.).

For maintenance therapy, low-dose atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone, quetiapine, and amisulpride are the drugs of choice. If a person for some reason cannot regularly and correctly take these drugs, then prolonged use should be used. dosage forms(Rispolept-Konsta, Clopixol-Depot, Fluanxol-Depot), allowing you to give the medicine once a week.

Rispolept-Konsta is used for residual hallucinatory-delusional symptoms, as well as speech disorders.

Clopixol-Depot is used for manic and depressive symptoms, as well as with increased sensitivity and excitability.

Fluanxol-Depot is optimal for neurosis symptoms (anxiety, phobias, depersonalization, etc.).

If these drugs are ineffective, then conventional antipsychotics are prescribed (Triftazin, Moditen, etc.). Triftazin is effective in episodic paranoid schizophrenia, Moditen-Depot is effective in residual hallucinations and delusions, as well as severe negative symptoms (impaired thinking, speech, memory, attention, will, emotions, etc.). Haloperidol is used for residual hallucinations and delusions with poor seizure control and a low likelihood of sustained remission. Haloperidol causes extrapyramidal disorders (parkinsonism, etc.), which require the use special preparations. Piportil is used in catatonic or paranoid schizophrenia.

Maintenance (anti-relapse) treatment of schizophrenia

Anti-relapse therapy should be carried out within 1 - 2 years after the first episode of schizophrenia, 5 years - after the second and throughout life after the third, since if you stop taking antipsychotics earlier in 75% of cases, a relapse occurs after 1 - 2 years. This anti-relapse therapy involves taking antipsychotic drugs in very low dosages - no more than 20 - 30% of that used during the attack.

The main goal of anti-relapse therapy is to prevent another attack or, if this is not possible, then to postpone it for as long as possible. In addition, during the remission period, treatment is aimed at eliminating and correcting the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as impaired speech, thinking, memory, attention, a decrease in the spectrum and depth of emotions, loss of will, etc. Correction of these disorders is necessary so that a person can again socialize and return to normal life.

Treatment with drugs

The best drugs for anti-relapse therapy are atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperidone, Quetiapine, Amisulpride. If a person is not sensitive to these drugs, then he is prescribed Sertindole. If it is impossible to ensure regular intake of the drug by patients with schizophrenia, prolonged dosage forms should be used, such as Rispolen-Consta, Clopixol-Depot and Fluanxol-Depot, which are sufficient to be administered once a week.

If atypical antipsychotics are ineffective, conventional antipsychotics, such as Triftazin, Moditen-Depot, Haloperidol decanoate, Piportil L4, should be used for anti-relapse therapy.

In case of sluggish schizophrenia during remission, it is recommended to use the following drugs of the normotimic group for the prevention of relapses:

Depakin and Valprok - with panic attacks and depression;
Carbamazepine - with malice and a feeling of soreness of any touch to the skin;
Lithium salts - for depression;
Lamotrigine - for depression, anxiety and melancholy.

Non-drug methods of anti-relapse therapy

Non-drug methods of anti-relapse therapy are as follows:

Lateral physiotherapy;
Lateral phototherapy;
Pair polarized therapy;
Transcranial micropolarization of the brain;
Transcranial magnetic stimulation;
Intravascular laser blood irradiation;
Enterosorption;
Taking immunostimulants.

Lateral physiotherapy is an electrical stimulation of special areas on the body that correspond to the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It is used in short courses to enhance the effectiveness of drugs.

Lateral phototherapy represents the illumination of the left or right halves of the retina with a beam of light with an activating or, on the contrary, calming frequency. The method is very effective for neurosis-like symptoms (phobias, anxieties, fears, impaired sensitivity, excitability, etc.), as well as for mild emotional disorders.

Pair polarization therapy represents the impact electric field to the cerebral cortex. The method is effective for emotional disorders.

Transcranial micropolarization of the brain also represents the effect of an electric field on certain structures, which allows you to completely stop pseudohallucinations and residual hallucinations at the stage of remission of schizophrenia.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is the impact of a permanent magnetic field on the structures of the brain, which can effectively cure depression.

Intravascular laser blood irradiation It is used to increase the sensitivity of a person to drugs, which makes it possible to reduce their dosage and increase the effectiveness of therapy, achieving a very high quality remission.

Enterosorption is a course use of sorbent preparations, such as Polyphepan, Filtrum, Laktofiltrum, Polysorb, activated charcoal, Smecta, Enterosgel, etc. Sorbents bind and remove toxic substances from the intestinal lumen, due to which the dosage of the antipsychotic drug can be reduced and high-quality remission can be achieved .

Reception of immunomodulators allows you to normalize the work immune system in people who have had an episode of schizophrenia. In addition, these drugs also improve sensitivity to neuroleptics, which allows to reduce their dosage and achieve high-quality remission of a long duration. The following immunomodulators are currently used:

Echinacea and Rhodiola rosea extracts;
Thymogen;
Timolin;
Erbisol;
sodium nucleinate;
Splenin;
Vilazone.

Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenia

Psychosocial therapy of schizophrenia is aimed at maximum social and labor rehabilitation of a person who has undergone an episode of psychosis. This method consists of several options for psychotherapeutic approaches to solving the personal problems of each patient with schizophrenia.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to reduce the severity of negative symptoms (impaired thinking, memory, attention, will, emotions) and to normalize self-esteem in order to achieve a state that allows a person to work and be in society without constant fear and others discomfort. Cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduces the frequency of relapses of schizophrenia.

Within the framework of this method, cognitive training is carried out, aimed at reducing the severity or completely eliminating cognitive impairments (memory, concentration, etc.). The effectiveness of the method has been proven by functional magnetic resonance scanning.

Family therapy is teaching close people some necessary rules of behavior with a survivor of an episode of schizophrenia, as well as demonstrating to the patient his own responsibility for his life. People who have had an attack of schizophrenia are placed in homes for family therapy, where they live quite freely, as the staff explains to them the degree of responsibility for taking medications regularly, etc. The atmosphere in such houses is friendly, maximally open to patients. In fact, this method is round-the-clock interpersonal contacts against the backdrop of a quiet, benevolent, tolerant and protective environment.

Psychotherapy is carried out by different methods and is aimed at solving various problems. internal conflicts and problems of a person, so that he can, firstly, get rid of depression and neuroses, and secondly, interact normally with society.

Drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia

Drugs whose action is directed specifically at the manifestations and causative factors of schizophrenia are various neuroleptics (also called antipsychotics). Therefore, neuroleptics are the main drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Currently allocate the following varieties neuroleptics:

Sedative antipsychotics (in addition to the main one they have a pronounced calming effect) - Levomepramazine (Tizercin), Chlorpromazine (Aminazine), Promazine (Propazine), Chlorprothixen (Truxal), Sultopride (Barnetil, Topral), etc.
Incisive antipsychotics (in addition to the main one they have an activating effect on the central nervous system) - Haloperidol (Senorm), Zuclopenthixol (Clopixol, Clopixol-Depo and Clopixol-Akufaz), Hypothiazine, Thioproperazine (Mazheptil), Prochlorpyrazine, Trifluoperazine (Triftazin, Eskasin), Fluphenazine (Mirenil, Moditen) and etc.
Disorganizing antipsychotics (have a disinhibitory effect on the muscles) - Sulpiride (Betamax, Vero-Sulpiride, Prosulpin, Eglek, Eglonil), Karbidin.
Atypical antipsychotics – Clozapine (Azaleprol, Azaleptin, Leponex), Olanzapine (Zalasta, Zyprexa, Egolanza), Risperidone (Neipilept, Leptinorm), Quetiapine (Quentiax, Ketilept, Quetitex, Ketiap, Kutipin, Laquel, Nantaride, Servitel, Seroquel, Victoel, Hedonin) , Amisulpride (Solian, Limipranil).
New atypical antipsychotics - Aripiprazole (Abilify, Amdoal, Zilaxera), Ziprasidone, Sertindole (Serdolect), Ipoperidal, Blonanserin, etc.

Sedative, incisive and disruptive antipsychotics are the "old", typical antipsychotics that have powerful effects but are poorly tolerated due to severe side effects. Atypical and new antipsychotics have the same effect as typical, but are well tolerated because they do not cause such severe effects. That is why atypical and new antipsychotics are currently preferred in the treatment of schizophrenia.

In addition to antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia, the following groups of drugs can be used to relieve various symptoms:

Anxiety tranquilizers (Bromazepam, Phenazepam, Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide);
Normotimics for regulation of emotions (Carbamazepine, lithium carbonate);
Antidepressants (Amitriptyline, Moclobemide, Pirlindol);
Nootropics to eliminate cognitive impairments (memory, attention, concentration, productivity mental work) - Deanol aceglumate, Hopantenic acid, Pantogam;
Psychostimulants (Mesocarb).

New drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia

New drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia include all new generation atypical antipsychotics (Aripiprazole, Ziprasidone, Sertindole, Ipoperidal and Blonanserin) and some representatives of the first generation atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Risperidone, Quetiapine).

These drugs do not differ from typical neuroleptics in terms of the speed of the onset of the effect, as well as the strength of the action, so they may well be used to treat severe attacks of schizophrenia. In some cases, new drugs (Olanzapine, Risperidone) have even more strong action on delusional-hallucinatory symptoms than typical old antipsychotics.

The indisputable advantage of new drugs is their ability to reduce the severity of negative symptoms of schizophrenia (disorders of thinking, will, emotions) and correct cognitive impairment (disorders of memory, attention, etc.). These effects make it possible to prevent or significantly slow down the disability of a person, which allows him long time normal to interact with society and work.

Another advantage of the new drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia is that side effects are rarer and not as badly tolerated and do not require additional therapy.

Characteristics of some alternative treatments for schizophrenia

Let us consider a brief description of some methods of treating schizophrenia, which are not included in internationally approved standards, but are quite successfully used in different countries.

Treatment with cytokines

The treatment of schizophrenia with cytokines is a variant of drug therapy, however, not drugs that affect the central nervous system, but so-called cytokines, are used as drugs. Cytokines are protein molecules that carry signals from one cell to another, thereby ensuring the coherence of the actions of the entire immune system, as well as the processes of regeneration in different bodies, including the brain. Due to the effects of cytokines in the brain, the process of replacing damaged nerve cells normal. It is this effect of cytokines that is exploited in their use in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Currently, in schizophrenia, antibodies to tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF-alpha) or to interferon-gamma (anti-IFN-gamma) are administered intramuscularly. The course of treatment is 5 days, during which the drugs are administered 2 times a day.

In addition, a special solution of cytokines can be used in the form of inhalations. To do this, 10 ml of solution is poured into the nebulizer for 1 inhalation and the procedure is carried out every 8 hours for 3 to 5 days. In the next 5-10 days inhaled 1-2 times a day. Then, for three months, 1 inhalation is done every 2 to 3 days.

Methods of treatment of schizophrenia with cytokines are used as an adjunct to antipsychotic drugs and provide better and more stable remission. The technique is used in specialized clinics Israel and Russia.

Stem cell treatment

The treatment of schizophrenia with stem cells is a relatively new method used in complex therapy diseases. The essence of the method is to introduce stem cells into a special structure of the brain (hippocampus), which replace defective and dead ones. As a result of such manipulation, the hippocampus begins to function normally, and schizophrenia is cured, since in many respects it is provided by disruptions in the functioning of this particular brain structure. The introduction of stem cells is performed only at the stage of remission of schizophrenia after the episode of psychosis is completely stopped by neuroleptics. The use of stem cells allows to achieve long-term and high-quality remission.

Schizophrenia - treatment by communication

The treatment of schizophrenia by communication is various methods psychotherapy, through which good contact with the patient and he is given the installation of the correct social behavior and interaction, which allows a person to feel normal in society and lead a completely fulfilling life.

Communication treatment can be carried out only during the period of remission of paranoid schizophrenia, in which there is no pronounced flattening of the personality and sharp decline mental abilities. If a person has an attack of psychosis, then first he will have to stop it with antipsychotics and only after that proceed with treatment by communication under the guidance of an experienced psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

Hypnosis treatment

Treatment of schizophrenia with hypnosis is a form of communication therapy. Its essence lies in the fact that during a hypnosis session, when a person is most easily suggestible, the psychotherapist gives him behavioral skills that help control and defeat the disease. Hypnosis can be used to treat mild paranoid schizophrenia in remission.

Psychodrama and art therapy

Treatment of schizophrenia at home

Currently, most of the time, schizophrenia is treated at home, and only the period of the attack requires hospitalization for 4 to 6 weeks. After stopping a psychotic episode, a person can be discharged from the hospital, provided that he has relatives who can take care of him and follow the doctor's instructions. Treatment of schizophrenia at home is carried out with medications prescribed by a psychiatrist. At the same time, a person suffering from schizophrenia must necessarily be under the care of someone who will monitor his condition and provide doctor's prescriptions.

It is very important to record the condition of a person with schizophrenia. If the caregiver sees that he has stopped taking medications, then he should be gently and gently persuaded to visit a doctor who can recommend prolonged forms that require taking only 1 time per week.

When communicating with a person with schizophrenia, do not do anything that can excite him. Speak softly, do not raise your voice, do not use command intonations, do not touch the person, etc. Be benevolent, polite, patient, tolerant and friendly. The more warmth there is in relation to the schizophrenic, the better he will be influenced.

If a person became irritable, began to behave unusually, then this may indicate initial stage seizure development. In this situation, it is necessary to follow a number of rules when communicating with the patient and, as soon as possible, seek help from a psychiatrist. So, during an attack or at the beginning of its development, the following rules for communicating with a schizophrenic should be observed:
1. Do not threaten, scare, and avoid any phrases that suggest any adverse consequences if the person does not do what you want them to (for example, if you do not eat, you will feel bad, etc.);
2. Do not shout, raise your voice, or use any intonation. Speak evenly, unemotionally, measuredly and quietly;
3. Don't criticize;
4. Do not argue with other people living nearby about what needs to be done;
5. Don't tease a schizophrenic;
6. Do not stand so as to be higher than the patient. If he is sitting, then you also need to sit down so that your eyes are on the same level;
7. Don't touch the person;
8. Do not try to constantly look into the eyes of the patient;
9. Fulfill any requests of a person, if they are not dangerous for him and others;
10. Do not close the person in the room.

Treatment of paranoid, sluggish, coat-like and simple schizophrenia

Therapy of all listed types of schizophrenia is carried out on the basis of the above-described general principles. The only difference in therapy may be specific antipsychotic drugs, selected taking into account the nature of the prevailing symptoms. In addition, depending on the severity of the disease and the degree of personality changes, different drug therapy.

What is schizophrenia and how to treat it - video

Computer program for the treatment of schizophrenia - video

Treatment of schizophrenia in children

Treatment of schizophrenia in children is also carried out with antipsychotic drugs, and during periods of remission, non-drug methods are necessarily used to maintain normal cognitive function and eliminate disturbances in thinking, emotions and will so that the child can learn and interact with society. That is why in the treatment of schizophrenia in children a huge role is played by methods to eliminate the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as impaired thinking, speech, emotions and will. Otherwise, the principles of disease therapy in childhood the same as in adults.

Treatment prognosis

The prognosis for the treatment of schizophrenia for 20 years is as follows:

In 25% of cases there is a complete recovery, that is, a person lives constantly in remission, and episodes of psychosis do not repeat even once.
In 30% of cases there is an improvement in the state in which a person can independently serve himself and engage in simple views activities. In this case, a person periodically has relapses of psychosis.
In 20% of cases a person becomes helpless and needs care and guardianship. In such situations, attacks are repeated quite often and require hospitalization for a fairly long period.

Approximately half of all patients with schizophrenia make suicide attempts, of which about 10 - 15% end in the death of a person.

In general, the prognosis for schizophrenia is the more favorable, the later the disease manifests itself. In addition, the brighter the emotional experiences during an attack, the shorter and more acute it is, and the better it responds to therapy and, accordingly, has a high probability of complete and long-term remission.

Often there is a situation when, knowing about their disease, people prefer not to carry out any treatment, assuming that the body should cope on its own with the problem that has arisen. Moreover, this happens in the case of schizophrenia. It should be immediately noted that such an approach is completely unacceptable. When a serious approach to treatment is needed, and there is no reason to believe that everything can end as unexpectedly as it began. Moreover, the disease progresses, and requires constant attention, both the patient himself and those close to him. Only in this case, you can get positive results.

Therapy should be started immediately if the diagnosis is "". Experts believe that the maximum impact can be exerted if treatment is started no later than two years from the onset of the disease. Some scientists even argue that during this period, the destructive processes in the brain are subject to full recovery. In the event that the diagnosis is established much later, schizophrenia cannot be left untreated, and proper treatment in any case, it gives positive results, although they are already less pronounced, and it is much more difficult to achieve the desired improvements. The condition of a patient with schizophrenia largely depends on his own mood and desire to be cured. If a person does not understand that he is sick, then the process treatment is on harder.

First of all, it is necessary to conduct psychotherapeutic treatment, which helps to establish a trusting relationship between the patient and the attending physician. The psychotherapist must convince the patient that schizophrenia needs to be treated, and let such a complex situation take its course. mental illness is simply unacceptable. Before a psychotherapist begins to work with a patient, a special examination is carried out. This reveals the state of mind of a patient with schizophrenia, how he remembers information, whether he can concentrate. The data obtained serve as the basis for the development of an individual scheme of psychological impact.

Let's assume that the patient is nevertheless managed to be convinced that treatment is extremely necessary, and it is impossible to let the disease "run its course". What methods are currently being used? A couple of decades ago, drugs belonging to the group of neuroleptics were considered the main remedy, and they were also widely used. Now the situation has changed, and this approach is recognized as ineffective. That is, if a person is prescribed drugs such as melipramine, or haloperidol, then you should think about finding another doctor. The fact is that such drugs do not always provide the desired effect, besides, they are the cause of various side effects. Moreover, such a picture is observed if the treatment is carried out for quite a long time.

Nowadays, experts believe that atypical neuroleptic drugs, such as quentiapine, resperidone, olanzapine, and others, are the most acceptable. With the right prescription of the drug and the ideal selection of an individual dosage, atypical ones can reduce such serious manifestations of schizophrenia as the state of delirium and hallucinations. Including, with such treatment, the patient becomes less passive, he begins to show interest in his environment, his ability to concentrate improves. You can also add that to the listed drugs are added funds that help improve brain activity, its blood supply is normalized.

Some dietary supplements have a fairly pronounced effect, they are also able to improve cerebral blood supply. Among them, doctors often prescribe Ginkgo Leaves, and preparations based on them. Such a tool has long been known in Chinese medicine, it is believed that the leaves actively contribute to the restoration of the brain, and at the same time enrich the body with various beneficial substances. Also, for effective treatment schizophrenia needs to be controlled hormonal background the patient's body, periodically check for the presence of psychophysical changes and higher nervous activity. Still, it should be noted that there are forms of the disease that are not treatable. In this case, extreme measures are used, such as light therapy, laser blood treatment, electroconvulsive therapy.

Currently, there are modern ideas of specialists about schizophrenia. For example, it is believed that the best cure for schizophrenia contributes to the minimum stay of the patient in the walls psychiatric clinic. Within twenty days, you can stop the exacerbation of the disease in a hospital. Further, rehabilitation should be carried out with the participation of family members, and of course, a psychotherapist. Physiotherapy treatments are also included in rehabilitation measures. It can be a pool, massage treatments, physiotherapy, walks. If the patient does not practice exercise, then the disease can become chronic, thereby, the patient's condition worsens.

All manifestations of schizophrenia are thought disorders. They can be manifested by changes in the speed of thinking, the flow and content of thinking and speech.

Treatment of schizophrenia in a hospital

If a patient with schizophrenia is dangerous to himself or others, then, despite all considerations about the cost-effectiveness of treatment, treatment of schizophrenia should only be started in a hospital to avoid the possibility of an accident. Thoughts of suicide or murder are especially dangerous in people with schizophrenia. In a state of acute psychosis, an adequate assessment of thoughts and desires, as well as control over impulses, is lost, especially in the presence of imperative pseudo-hallucinations (for example, voices that threaten or order to do something, etc.). Dangerous urges are exacerbated by the presence of delusional ideas, especially with delusions of persecution. The decision on hospitalization should be made by a psychiatrist who examines or monitors a patient with schizophrenia.

As a rule, consciousness in schizophrenia often remains clear, but there may be some absent-mindedness or severe disorientation. Such people are often very convincing in their conclusions and explanations of any situation, they give quite convincing arguments in favor of their own opinion, and most often the people around them begin to believe it and do not notice the manifestation of the disease. Such people can often get a fairly large financial credibility from different people, convincing them of their intentions and practical actions, since they themselves sincerely believe in their crazy ideas.

Forced actions in the treatment process

The treatment of schizophrenia is often accompanied by particular complexity. This is due to a violation of the patient's criticism of his thoughts and actions. A particular difficulty lies in the aggressive or inappropriate sexual behavior of the patient. Irritants that can cause aggressive or sexual feelings (TV shows, radio, etc.) should be kept to a minimum. It is necessary to speak with the patient not ambiguously and briefly, since detailed and evasive explanations can provoke anxiety, confusion and anger. Compulsory treatment is indicated only in severe acute mental conditions, pronounced aggression or suicidal intentions.

Any coercive action must be firm, but never punitive. Firmness in dealing with the sick should not turn into cruelty and be combined with sympathy and the desire to understand their thoughts, anxieties and fears.

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It is believed that a person diagnosed with schizophrenia has mental disorders that accompany him throughout his life. However, this is not quite true. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage of development and all necessary treatment measures are taken this disease, then there is a possibility that a person will live a normal full life.

Is there a cure for schizophrenia?

There is a well-established opinion in society that it is impossible to recover from schizophrenia and that it is a stamp for life. In fact, you shouldn't be so skeptical about this diagnosis. Is there a cure for schizophrenia? To answer the question, it is recommended to look at this diagnosis from a different angle. Namely, treat this disease like any other chronic illness. As an example, consider a disease such as diabetes. Mankind has not come up with a way to get rid of it, but there are certain rules, following which a person can lead a normal life and keep his body in good shape. So is schizophrenia treatable or not? Answering this question, it is necessary to take into account the fact that if you learn to follow certain rules, then it will become possible to exercise control over your condition.

Each person is individual, and schizophrenia has its own characteristics of the course. They can manifest differently in different people. There is a statistic that one in five people gets better after five years. At this stage, one should understand what improvement means and whether schizophrenia is treated. Now let's figure it out.

How are improvements in this disease manifested?

First, it should be understood that improvement is a long process in a disease such as schizophrenia. Psychiatry highlights several aspects of this condition. Secondly, you need to know that the recovery process implies a person's desire to constantly work and achieve their goals. During this period, the patient will experience both normalization of the condition and exacerbation of the disease. An important point is the support of loved ones who can provide help you need at the moment when it is necessary for a person diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Psychiatry says that improving the condition of a person who is ill with this disease means minimizing the symptoms of the disease, preventing seizures. It is also necessary to establish a normal perception of reality for the patient, thanks to which he will be able to lead a normal life.

What affects the positive outcome of treatment?

And women are usually the same. But there are also differences. They lie in the fact that the symptoms of schizophrenia in men are more aggressive and frightening. They need attention and understanding of loved ones.

They are of a softer nature. There are hallucinations. Interesting is the fact that this disease can provoke childbirth. When answering the question of whether schizophrenia is treated in women, it should be borne in mind that this is a hereditary disease. And it is amenable to therapy to the same extent as in men. But if we talk about whether schizophrenia is treated in adolescents, then here important point is an early diagnosis of the disease.

Facts to pay attention to in treatment

It is worth saying that modern medicine does not offer any specific ways by which a person can be cured of schizophrenia. But this disease is treatable. There are also ways to prevent attacks and exacerbations of the disease. If the patient has the right attitude and strives for recovery, then he has every chance to become a full-fledged member of society and lead a normal life, work, and so on.

If a person is diagnosed with schizophrenia, this does not mean that he needs to be constantly in the hospital. With the correct and timely approach to treatment, the patient will be able to avoid crisis situations in which a medical examination of the patient and being under observation may be necessary. It should be remembered that in any situation there is hope for recovery. The main thing is not to lose heart, but to take certain actions. Thanks to them, you can achieve the desired results.

Non-medical methods of diagnosing waronia

There is a schizophrenia test that you can take. Note that given test is not a basis for a diagnosis. It shows whether a person is predisposed to such a disease or not. The schizophrenia test presents a set of questions. By answering them, a person gains a certain number of points. The developers of the test determined the norm. It is believed that if a person has scored points, and they do not exceed a certain amount, then he is not prone to schizophrenia. The test is psychological in nature.

The questions are quite simple, for example, "do your relatives annoy you" or "do you have obsessive thoughts" and so on. In addition to the verification method, where you need to answer questions, there is a test optical illusion. It's called the Chaplin mask. It is assumed that healthy people see Chaplin's convex face from both sides of the mask. And those who have a penchant for mental disorder see the other side of the mask as concave. These methods do not have any medical accuracy.

Methods of treatment of schizophrenia. Patient involvement in therapy

First of all, it is necessary that the person is diagnosed correctly. The staging process requires a fairly long period of time. Since the symptoms this disease may overlap with other mental health disorders. It takes time to monitor the patient to make a diagnosis. In addition, it is better if the person who has experience in treating such people will do it.

Therefore, at the first suspicion of schizophrenia or a mental disorder, you should consult a doctor. This should be done. Since the correct diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. And starting from it, they will prescribe a treatment regimen for the disease. If the diagnosis is made accurately, then the therapy will be effective.

There are cases when a person who is ill with schizophrenia does not realize this himself and resists being told that he is not completely healthy. But relatives who see mental abnormalities need to see a doctor. If the person himself notices this kind of problem in his body, then he is also recommended to seek medical help.

A sick person needs to know that the treatment of schizophrenia requires an integrated approach. This disease cannot be cured with medication alone. In addition, it is necessary to ensure communication with doctors, relatives, and have psychological support from loved ones. It is important not to fall out of society, but to continue to communicate with people around you. You should also lead a healthy lifestyle and eat right. Under in a healthy way life is understood as observance of the regime of the day, walks, physical education.

Another important factor that will ensure the recovery process in schizophrenia is that the patient is active participant treatment. The patient must be prepared to participate in this process, pronounce your feelings from taking this or that drug, talk about your well-being and share your emotional mood with loved ones and your doctor.

The course of schizophrenia and the mood of a sick person for recovery

First of all, do not fall into despair. If there are people in the environment of a person who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia who believe that this disease is incurable, then you should not communicate with them. It is better that those for whom this person remains a person, regardless of illness. You need to constantly maintain a relationship with your doctor. It is recommended to monitor the dosage of medications prescribed by the psychiatrist. If the patient has concerns that he has been prescribed too high a dose of medication or, conversely, too little, then it is necessary to talk to the doctor. He needs to express his concerns about this. It should also be clarified which side effects from taking any drug. It is important for the patient to be honest with himself and the psychiatrist. If the patient observes side effects, then you need to tell the doctor about this and change the treatment regimen or change the amount of the drug. The patient should be aware that determining the dosage medical preparations It is a collaboration between doctor and patient. Therefore, you need to take an active part in it.

Also, a person diagnosed with schizophrenia should learn to use special therapy, which includes the ability to control the symptoms of this disease. Namely, if the patient has any obsessive thoughts or he hears extraneous voices, then through special therapy he can switch and take himself away from these states. Also, the patient should learn to motivate himself for any actions.

For schizophrenics, setting and achieving goals is an important part of the recovery process. In no case should you give up on society.

Patient support

Those patients who receive support from relatives and other close people are very lucky. The participation of people around you in the treatment process is an important component of recovery. It has also been found that when the patient is surrounded by understanding and kindness, the occurrence of relapses is minimized.

A person who is ill is advised to speak with relatives and friends who, in his opinion, can help if bouts of schizophrenia occur. It is necessary to explain to them what kind of assistance is expected from them. As a rule, when people ask for help, they go to a meeting. Especially when it comes to health. Enlisting support, a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia will be easier to cope with the disease.

Another important factor that will contribute to recovery is work. For people with mental disabilities it is better to work. Unless, of course, the state of health allows and there is no disability in schizophrenia. You can use volunteer work. There are communities of people suffering from this disease. In order to avoid a lack of communication, it is recommended to join them. Some people find it helpful to visit temples. You need to create a favorable environment around you. The same rule can be followed healthy people. The difference is that the mentally healthy can handle stress or psychological discomfort. And it is better for a person with deviations to avoid such situations that can cause a relapse.

A favorable circumstance for the patient is living in a family. Love and understanding of close people are one of the main positive factors for curing schizophrenia. Never drink alcohol or narcotic substances. Since they have a negative effect on the body of a sick person.

People diagnosed with schizophrenia are prescribed antipsychotics. It should be remembered that the treatment of this disease is complex. Therefore, taking drugs is one of the components of therapy.

It is also important to understand that the data medicines do not treat a person for a disease such as schizophrenia. Their action is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of this disease, such as hallucinations, delusions, obsessive thoughts, chaotic thinking, and so on.

Taking these drugs will not ensure the entry of a person into society, setting any goals for them and motivating them to certain actions.

Negative effects of drugs

Also, this type of drug has a number of concomitant manifestations:

Drowsiness.
Prostration.
Chaotic movements may occur.
There is excess weight.
Sexual function is lost.

If these manifestations interfere with normal life, then you should consult a doctor and reduce the dose of drugs or change the treatment regimen.

It is not recommended to independently reduce the amount of the drug or switch to another drug. This can be harmful to health, cause a relapse and so on. Therefore, a consultation with a psychiatrist is necessary.

How to find the optimal drug?

The main task in finding the right medicine for schizophrenia is to ensure that it has the desired effect, and side effects are minimized. It should also be borne in mind that such drugs a person takes for a long time sometimes for life. Therefore, the choice must be taken very carefully. If necessary, change to another medicine.

Difficulty of selection antipsychotic is that it is not clear how it will affect the body and what side effects may occur. Therefore, the process of selecting a drug can be quite long and complicated. You also need to select the right dosage for each individual patient.

As a rule, the improvement of the patient's condition after the start of taking medication occurs in one and a half or two months. There are cases when a person gets better after a few days. When there is no positive dynamics even after two months, then you need to either increase the dose or change the drug.

So is schizophrenia completely curable? Can't be 100% guaranteed. But it is possible to remove its symptoms.

What types of medications are prescribed for schizophrenia?

Currently, drugs that are prescribed for this disease can be divided into two groups. Namely, drugs of the old generation and the new. The first means are neuroleptics. And to the new - atypical drugs.

Antipsychotics have been known since ancient times, they remove hallucinations, obsessive thoughts, and so on. But they have disadvantages. They can cause unpleasant symptoms such as:

Anxiety.
Slowness.
Shaky gait.
Pain in the muscles.
Temporary paralysis may occur.
Spasms.
Chaotic movements.

The new generation of drugs are called atypical antipsychotics. AT last years they are used more often for the treatment of this disease. This is due to the fact that there are much fewer side effects from taking these drugs.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that includes the splitting of the emotional-volitional and intellectual spheres of a person. Probably, many are interested in the question: is it possible to cure schizophrenia? Unfortunately, at this stage of historical development, this disease cannot be treated, only symptomatic therapy is used. Schizophrenia does not affect people without a genetic predisposition.

Moreover, a patient with schizophrenia often does not consider himself such, so the correction of his condition must be carried out in a psychiatric round-the-clock hospital.

Therapy, in turn, can be divided into several groups:

Stopping therapy - is used directly during the debut of the disease, helps to reduce the manifestations of the clinical picture - delusional syndrome,;
Stabilizing therapy is carried out after the main treatment. Its main task is to correct the remaining symptoms;
Supportive therapy is aimed at prolonging remission, is involved in the stabilization of the psycho-emotional background.

Symptoms in different forms of schizophrenia are similar in nature, but the diagnosis is made on the basis of the prevailing symptom. For example, the pseudoneurotic form simulates a picture of a neurosis, but in fact such a patient requires observation by a psychiatrist.

Relatives of a sick person should know exactly where to seek help and where to treat this mental disorder.

The treatment of schizophrenia has its own characteristics, because it is not always detected in a timely manner. mental disorder. It often starts at puberty, gradually affecting the mental health of the child, which goes unnoticed until the age of 20-25. And with neurosis-like schizophrenia, diagnosis is difficult even at a later age due to the typical clinical picture of neurosis. Such patients can be observed by a psychotherapist, however, a specialized medical care they won't get a psychiatrist. This can lead to the fact that the number of attacks will begin to increase and, finally, the disease will be able to go into a continuous form.

Treatment of schizophrenia is considered effective if the onset of the disease was stopped in time. Especially if such attacks were not observed before. Psychoses can last from several hours to several months, it is very important to find mutual language with the patient, to choose suitable drugs with minimal side effects. It is on these factors that the effectiveness of the therapy will depend in the future.

Periods of schizophrenic psychosis

Medical treatment of schizophrenia depends on the phase of the psychosis.

acute phase. Lasts from several hours to several months. The development of negative symptoms is characteristic - loss of interest in life, depressed mood, irritability, desire for solitude. Often, patients show an increased interest in esotericism, religion or philosophy. There may be a persecution mania, which manifests itself in the form of a sensation strong fear for his life, unmotivated bouts of aggression. Against this background, delusions of grandeur develop, when the patient considers himself famous person, appropriates other people's works, films, books, etc. These symptoms are characteristic of the paranoid form of schizophrenia. Seizures are stopped in a hospital by prescribing antipsychotics and tranquilizers.
Stabilization phase. It originates after the onset of the disease. It can last from several days to several years. This period is characterized as recovery. It is very important in terms of correction of the psycho-emotional background. Tranquilizers and antipsychotics in some cases completely stop clinical picture. The drugs are lifelong, but are prescribed in smaller doses. With proper treatment, remission can reach up to 10 years.

Treatment options for schizophrenia

Biological. They include insulin treatment, lateral therapy, electroconvulsive, detoxification, transcranial and magnetic brain stimulation, pharmacotherapy. Previously, it was believed that insulin coma contributes to a long-term remission of the disease. However, this method is not the choice because of the high risk of a lethal outcome. Now, insulin therapy is used less frequently. At the beginning of the 20th century, malaria therapy was used, the essence of which was to infect a person with malaria. Many scientists thought that schizophrenia was curable due to the activation of the body's defenses during active infectious process. Later, this method was banned due to the cruel treatment of sick people.
Psychotherapeutic. It is an additional component in the treatment of schizophrenia. It can be used to correct mental state patient down to dosage reduction medicinal product. Sometimes the patient becomes more sociable and cheerful, if you maintain such a psycho-emotional background for quite a long time, then the remission can be significantly lengthened. In some cases, hypnosis therapy is carried out, which can give its results after the first session.

Factors of effectiveness of cupping therapy

duration of the disease. If schizophrenia has been observed in a patient for 3 years, then the correction of the mental state with drugs gives positive results. Accordingly, than longer man sick, the lower the chances of prolonging remission.
Age. The disease at a later age is more easily amenable to pharmacotherapy.
The nature of psychosis. If the attack has pronounced symptoms, such as delusions, phobias, depression, then, as a rule, the debut is well stopped by drugs.
Personal characteristics. If before the first debut of schizophrenia the patient had a balanced personality type, then the chances of successful treatment rise.
cause of psychosis. If the reason lies in external factors(for example, experienced severe stress), then the treatment has a positive result. With spontaneous psychosis, the prognosis is more unfavorable.
negative symptoms. The more pronounced the clinical picture in the form of abulia, apathy, impaired mental activity, suppression of volitional processes, the more ineffective the ongoing pharmacotherapy will be.

Key Aspects of Treatment for Psychotic Personality Disorder

Modern methods of treating schizophrenia are primarily aimed at relieving negative symptoms and improving the adaptive capacity of a sick person in society. The combination of neuroleptics and atypical antipsychotics contributes to the relief of psychosis and the prolongation of remission. But still it is not entirely clear at this stage of historical development how to cure schizophrenia completely.

Creative work in some cases allows the patient to prove himself as a good writer, artist, poet. Fear and anxiety find themselves in bizarre works, paintings, which slightly alleviates the condition of a patient with schizophrenic tendencies, since constant withdrawal into oneself and unwillingness to communicate with other people contribute to the accumulation of negative experiences.

It is difficult to say whether schizophrenia is curable. It is clear that it is impossible to stabilize the patient's condition by creativity alone. That's why modern treatment schizophrenia is based on taking medications.

Intensive methods of influence:

How to treat schizophrenia if drugs do not give the desired result:

Electroconvulsive therapy - performed under general anesthesia and is a strong electric shock, has strong side effects in the form of a perversion of cognitive perception. The method was widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the lack of treatment of such patients with antipsychotics. Treatment with these medicines began in the 50s of the last century.
Insulin shock therapy is a biological method that is based on the introduction of large doses of insulin into the human body, thereby causing a hypoglycemic coma. It is a backup tool in the treatment of schizophrenia, as it has very undesirable side effects. Insulin-comatose therapy is resorted to if the patient is resistant to drugs that are used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Craniocerebral hypotension - used in severe psychosis, especially in patients with withdrawal symptoms. It consists in reducing the temperature of the brain.
Lateral therapy for schizophrenia is used in parallel with the appointment of antipsychotics. The principle is the effect of electricity on certain parts of the body, for which the hemispheres of the brain are responsible.

Insulin administration in the treatment of schizophrenia:

subcutaneous injection ( traditional way). A daily course with a gradual increase in the dose of insulin leads to the development of hypoglycemic coma. The efficiency is quite high.
Through a dropper (forced). The infusion of the drug is simultaneous, which quickly leads to an insulin-comatose state.
Insulin therapy with lateral physiotherapy (potentiated method). Enhances the effect of the latter, is a method of "despair".

The introduction of small doses of drugs or the treatment of schizophrenia with homeopathy for this moment Rarely used as efficacy has not been proven. However, the patient can turn to a homeopathic doctor at the expense of distrust of his doctor in a psychiatric hospital.

Non-drug methods of therapy

Communication treatment. This allows a person to accept his disease, make contact with other people and positively influence the patient's adaptation.
Lateral physiotherapy. It is prescribed simultaneously with drugs.
Lateral phototherapy. It has a good effect on the suppression of human phobias. The principle is to irritate the retina of both eyes with a light pulse. Depending on this, the psycho-emotional background of the patient is regulated in favor of his oppression or excitation.
Intravascular laser irradiation is a kind of blood cleaning, which is performed using a laser. This helps to significantly increase the sensitivity to drug therapy, which allows you to reduce their dose and thereby minimize the manifestation of side effects. It is prescribed by the attending physician in case of resistance to pharmacotherapy.
Pair polarization therapy. Excitation of the cerebral cortex by exposing it to electricity.
Enterosorption. It is similar to cleaning blood with a laser. It includes the consumption of activated charcoal, smectite and other sorbent substances by the patient, which are able to bind toxins and remove them from the body.

Essential drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia

Attention! The article is informational. Do not self-medicate. Consult a doctor!

The disease occurs due to a deficiency of some neurotransmitter, so therapy should be aimed at restoring it.

Drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia include a variety of pharmaceutical drugs that act on damaged brain structures.

Antipsychotic drugs affect precisely the factors that provoke the onset of schizophrenia, which explains their effectiveness.

They can be divided into several groups:

Atypical antipsychotics: Amisulpride, Olanzapine;
New (atypical) antipsychotics: Sertindole, Ziprasidone;
Sedative neuroleptics: Chlorpromazine, Sultopride;
Antipsychotic drugs that are able to excite the central nervous system nervous system: Hypothiazine, Fluphenazine, Triftazin;
Antipsychotics with disinhibitory action: Carbidine, Sulpiride.

Moreover, Triftazin is often prescribed because of the strong influence on the clinical picture, but at the same time it is weaker than haloperidol.

Sleeping pills: Melaxen, Glycine.

Antidepressants have a stimulating effect: Amitriptyline, Elycea.

Nootropics that improve human cognitive functions: Pantogam, Piracetam.

The use of tranquilizers is justified in the presence of anxiety: Diazepam, Phenazepam.

Febrile schizophrenia is treatable with chlorpromazine with a rapid increase in dosage.

Other drug treatments

Of the latest methods, the Soteria project is being introduced, which is based on the fact that a patient in a state of psychosis is placed in a living room, where he himself is engaged in cooking and other things. The method is based on the homeopathic taking of the drug (in small doses). The patient is helped by volunteers who have elementary ideas about schizophrenia. This project is based on the formation of a friendly relationship between a volunteer and a patient, since often a patient with schizophrenia does not perceive the doctor as willing to help him.

The treatment of schizophrenia with cytokines is based on the principle of activating the immune system. They are used in the form of inhalations or injections every day for 10 days. Then every 3 days for 3 months.

A therapy that involves stem cells injected into the hippocampus. One of the causes of schizophrenia is considered to be pathological changes in the hippocampus, so stem cells are a kind of stimulator of their regeneration. Treatment is possible only after the relief of psychosis and the normalization of the patient's condition. Moreover, a prerequisite should be the relative mental well-being of the patient. In such patients, stem cells are able to cause a stable remission.

ACC reduces the effects of akathisia.

Treatment of schizophrenia with folk methods

Folk remedies can be used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of schizophrenia.

against hallucinosis. For 1 liter of water, there is 1 teaspoon of comfrey. Water is brought to a strong boil, then boiled over low heat for up to 10 minutes. The decoction is infused for an hour. The use of this decoction is recommended for up to 10 days with a two-week break. If necessary, repeat the course.
To relieve attacks of aggression. 200 grams of flowering mignonette are poured into 0.5 l sunflower oil. The broth is infused for two weeks at a cool temperature and in a dark glass dish. The oil obtained in this way should be rubbed into the temples in the morning and evening.
From tremor. Oregano is steamed for 12 hours in boiling water, then the infusion is filtered and drunk throughout the day, divided into several doses.
To relieve symptoms. Digitalis is infused in boiling water for 12 hours. It is recommended to take 50 ml 3-4 times a day.

Treatment of schizophrenia at home

Treatment of schizophrenia at home is acceptable if the psychosis is stopped in a psychiatric hospital, and the patient has been in it for at least a month. Moreover, the frequency of attacks is taken into account, how long the remission lasts on average, whether a person is dangerous for himself and others. The patient should regularly visit his doctor, if necessary, lie in day hospital. The patient must be under the supervision of his relatives or other persons responsible for him. If for some reason the patient refuses to take the medicine and / or starts to behave strangely, show aggression for no apparent reason, then in this case you need to contact mental asylum. The doctor will prescribe a drug that can be taken once a week and, if necessary, will issue the patient to the hospital. Additionally, nicotinic acid can be prescribed, which has a good effect on the functional activity of neurons.

With a normal psycho-emotional background and subject to all doctor's prescriptions, a patient with schizophrenia can stay at home under the supervision of relatives and even work at some enterprises. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, it is necessary to communicate with the patient in a way that makes him feel comfortable. For example, it is to have a conversation with him, to avoid uncomfortable topics for conversation, expressive expressions, not to argue.

Forecast

To cure schizophrenia completely, unfortunately, on this moment does not seem possible.

In about a quarter of patients, the symptoms stop, and a stable remission occurs until the end of life. About 30% of people with schizophrenia report a decrease clinical symptoms. Relapses are rare and respond well to drug therapy.

20% of patients are resistant to antipsychotic drugs, schizophrenia is continuous. The periods of remission are short, and the course is unfavorable. Patients are unable to take care of themselves and need constant care. Often this pattern is observed in individuals with catanonic schizophrenia.

The remaining percentage of patients, despite partial relief of symptoms, are prone to depression due to their disease. This group of people most often makes suicide attempts, so they need special control.

If schizophrenia is not treated for early stages development of the disease, it can lead to adverse consequences. Therefore, the earlier drug therapy was carried out, the more likely it is to create a stable remission, which will allow a person to live a long and happy life.